Become a Camp Leader
There are a few ways to get started at Bridge Valley. Find the option that best fits you.
Start with Step Up
Ages 14–16
Our faith-based leadership programme for young people developing confidence, faith and practical leadership skills.
Step Up is the best starting point for most 14–15 year olds, and 16 year olds who are completely new to leadership.
Apply to Become a Camp Leader
Usually 16+
If you're 16 or older, apply to become a leader and we'll help determine the best place for you to start.
14–15 with significant leadership experience? You can apply too.
Already involved?
Attended Step Up before, returning as a leader, or invited to LIT?
Registrations, calendars and resources are in the Leadership Hub.
LEADERSHIP PATHWAY
We believe great leaders are developed over time. Our pathway helps young people grow in faith, character, confidence and practical leadership skills, with support along the way.
Many young leaders progress from Step Up → LIT → Camp Leader, but everyone's journey is different. We'll help determine the best starting point based on age, experience and readiness.
Step Up (ages 14-16)
Step Up is our faith-based leadership development programme for young people beginning their leadership journey.
It runs alongside our Junior Holiday Camp, with a mix of leadership training, Bible teaching, practical serving, mentoring and hands-on experience around camp.
What you'll experience
Practical leadership, teamwork and communication skills
Bible teaching and opportunities to grow in faith
Serving around camp and helping with activities
Child safety, responsibility and caring well for others
Friendships and being part of the Bridge Valley team
Good to know
You don't need to be a Christian to attend, but Step Up is faith-based
You'll be part of a dedicated Step Up group supported by experienced leaders
Many participants attend Step Up more than once
Those showing readiness may be invited to LIT
Leaders in Training (LIT)
Invitation Only
LIT is the next step for selected Step Up participants who are ready to take on more responsibility.
LITs put their learning into practice by shadowing experienced Cabin Leaders, spending time with campers, receiving mentoring and feedback, and continuing to grow in faith and servant leadership.
Good to Know
LIT is a small, supported team
You'll work directly with campers alongside experienced leaders
LIT helps prepare you for becoming a Cabin Leader
You'll need to complete a First Time Leader Application before attending so we can complete the required child safety checks
Holiday Camp Leaders
Our Holiday Camp Leaders are volunteers who help create fun, safe and faith-filled camps where young people feel welcomed, valued and encouraged.
At Bridge Valley, leadership is about serving others. Leaders share God's love through the way they care for campers, support each other and serve wherever they're needed.
There are lots of ways to lead:
Cabin Leading
Games
Programme Assistance
Kitchen
Media
Camp Parents & Medical
Support roles and more
Every new leader completes our application process so we can get to know them, complete the appropriate child safety checks, and find a role that suits their strengths, experience and readiness.
Where do I start?
Start with Step Up
Step Up is usually the best place to begin your leadership journey.
Designed for ages 14–16, Step Up helps you grow in confidence and faith, develop practical leadership skills, and experience serving alongside experienced leaders.
If you're 16 and completely new to leadership, Step Up may still be the right place to start.
Apply to Become a Camp Leader
If you're 16 or older, or you're 14–15 with significant leadership experience, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply to be a leader and we'll get to know you, learn about your experience, and help determine the best place for you in our leadership pathway.
Already involved?
If you've attended Step Up before, are a returning leader, or have been invited to LIT, head to the Leadership Hub for registrations, resources, calendars, and everything you need before camp.
Our volunteer leaders are what make Bridge Valley camps so special. Whether you're taking your first steps in leadership or already have experience, we'd love to help you find the right place to start.
At Bridge Valley, we believe leadership is about serving others, growing in character, and creating unforgettable camp experiences for young people.
Become a Camp Leader
LEADERSHIP PATHWAY
We believe great leaders are developed over time. Our leadership pathway is designed to help young people grow in confidence, character, faith, and practical leadership skills while being supported every step of the way.
While many participants begin with Step Up and progress through LIT before becoming Holiday Camp Leaders, we'll work with each applicant to determine the best starting point based on their age, experience, and readiness.
Leaders in Training (LIT)
Invitation Only
LIT is the next step for selected Step Up participants who are ready for greater leadership responsibility.
Running alongside camp, LITs continue growing in their faith while putting their leadership into practice through mentoring, shadowing experienced Cabin Leaders, and building relationships with campers.
What you'll experience
Mentoring from experienced leaders
Practical leadership experience with campers
Continued growth in faith, character, and servant leadership
Coaching and feedback as you prepare for future Cabin Leader responsibilities
If you've been invited to LIT, you'll also need to complete a First Time Leader Application before camp so we can complete the required child safety checks.
Holiday Camp Leaders
Our Holiday Camp Leaders are volunteers who give their time to help create fun, safe, and faith-filled camp experiences where every young person feels welcomed, valued, and encouraged.
At Bridge Valley, we believe the best leaders are servant-hearted leaders. Whether leading a cabin, helping behind the scenes, or supporting another area of camp, every leader plays an important role in serving others and sharing God's love.
Our Holiday Camp Leaders serve in a variety of roles, including:
Cabin Leaders
Games Team
Programme Assistance
Kitchen
Media
Camp Parents & Medical
And more!
Every new leader completes an application process so we can get to know them, complete the appropriate child safety checks, and help place them in the role that's the best fit for their strengths, experience, and readiness.
Step Up (ages 14-16)
Step Up is our faith-based leadership development programme for young people beginning their leadership journey.
Running alongside our Junior Holiday Camp, participants learn through a combination of Bible teaching, leadership sessions, practical serving, mentoring, and hands-on experience throughout the week.
What you'll experience
Developing practical leadership, teamwork, and communication skills
Growing in your faith and understanding of the Bible
Serving around camp and helping with activities
Learning about child safety, responsibility, and caring well for others
Building friendships and becoming part of the Bridge Valley team.
Good to know
You don't need to be a Christian to attend, but the programme is faith-based
Most participants attend more than one Step Up camp
You'll be part of a dedicated Step Up group with experienced leaders
Participants who demonstrate readiness may be invited into our Leaders in Training (LIT) programme